Last night, I was invited for an evening of amazing Moroccan inspired cuisine. Penelahpes Culinary Services held their Non-Holiday Dinner Party in the Historic West End. Established in 2004 by Chef Leslie Gordon, Penelahpes Culinary Services have been serving up “healthy gourmet” meals to some Atlanta’s most influential residents.
Chef Gordon did not hold back in bringing her skillful hand to the table. I really loved the beautiful decorations that complemented the theme of the private event. Some of which was made by Chef Gordon! Everything came together beautifully.
Let the Penelahpes Culinary Services experience begin….
Ginger Kiss
As guest arrived, they were warmly greeted with a Ginger Kiss. You can find the recipe here! It’s a great cocktail to impress your guest with.
Samosa served with Tomato Jam
These samosas were delicious! They were filled with perfectly seasoned potatoes inside. But what brought these delightful bites to another level was the tomato jam. So good!! Everyone wanted a jar to take home with them.
Thai Wheat Clams
Seriously tasty! That’s how I would describe the clams. The broth was made with one of my favorite local beers, Thai Wheat by Second Self Brewing Company. With the beer being brewed with ginger and lemongrass, and Chef Gordon adding her special Moroccan spice mix, the clams were given a very exotic flavor.
Wilted Spinach Salad with Ginger Dressing
Some love was definitely put in this salad! I saw a few guests asking for seconds.
Spicy Gyro Spiced Roasted Vegetables (Indian eggplant, portabello mushrooms, mixed peppers, red onions, bok choy, and love.)
I love roasted vegetables. The spices added to this melody of vegetables was superb. So on point!
Coconut Curry Chicken
So first of all, the chicken was so moist and tender. Like it literally fell off the bones! The coconut and curry along with some intense spice made for a unique piece of chicken. Very tasty!
Lemongrass and Cilantro Salmond
Jasmine Rice with Golden Raisins and Cardamon
Another delicious plate of awesomeness! Let’s start with the Jasmine Rice. It was complemented by Cardamon and golden raisins. I could have just eaten that by itself. I loved how the golden raisins gave you a burst of sweetness ever so often. So good! The Salmond was very flavorful. The freshness of the lemongrass and cilantro really came through.
Death by Chocolate Chai Cake w/ Blueberry Lemon Ginger Sauce
Amazing!!! Super moist. Extreme rich flavors. Spicy. The blueberries were rolled in Cardamon Sugar!! Yes, please! I enjoyed every bite!! I still can’t believe it was vegan!
This was truly an amazing culinary experience. Every guest left with a full belly and a souvenir to remember the amazing night. A spoon necklace!! How cute is that! Some guests even got in photo booth with the chef!
I got a chance to interview Chef Gordon. Get to know her below!
Who or what influenced you to become a chef?
I cooked my whole life. My mom always encouraged me to cook. Her support was waking up after two weeks of finals in New Orleans to get a grocery list for a holiday dinner. When I entered culinary school my dad took care of my son. I also got knocked up and needed a trade that I would enjoy. Lol!
How would describe your culinary focus?
My culinary focus is healthy gourmet. When I cook, I just want peoples’ taste buds to explode and their bodies to wake up and feel good!
If you could cook a meal for the first family what would it be?
Um..what I cooked the other night. lol! I would cook some collard green grits and fried fish. Yum! I want some now with a nice green salad and some spicy pickles for the collards!
Name a chef you are most the inspired by and why?
Chef Deborah Berry and Chef Calavino Donati are two chefs who taught me to be creative, innovative, and don’t sweat the small stuff by being flexible and believe in your flavors. Chef Scotley taught me about techniques and he is truly a hands on chef as well. All these Chefs believe in me.
What is your life’s motto?
Life’s motto? Shit…believe in my truths and love myself and don’t let nobody tell you shit!
What’s your favorite Atlanta restaurant?
I can’t say for real. I volunteer at many events and have had food from all over Atlanta. And I love it all! Plus I cook at home a lot.
Favorite childhood dish and who made it?
My mom would make chuck roast and the leftovers would be served on a slice of white bread with mash potatoes and meat and gravy. Man that was it!!!!! It was love on a plate!!
For more information about Penelahpes Culinary Services, visit www.penelahpes.com.
Shana Was Here 
I have never tried Moroccan food, I don’t think. The samosas look delicious and would be my favorite part of the meal.
Wow, this all looks incredible! I looveeee samosas and curry chicken – my boyfriend’s family is from Bangladesh, and they make them all the time (recipe might vary a bit – but still delicious!). I’m getting hungry looking at all these pictures!
xx Lauren
This looks like such wonderful dinner party! I love Moroccan food, but there are very few restaurants that serve it around here. That looks like the perfect multi course meal, that service is a such a great idea, seems like a much more fun way to have a fantastic chef prepared gourmet meal in a more casual and friendly atmosphere than a restaurant. Wish there was something like that around here!
This food looks delicious. I’ve never actually tired Moroccan cuisine but I know I’d love it. I love a little spice 🙂
I consider myself pretty adventurous on the culinary side, but even this was out of my repertoire! Looked so good! I should definitely try Moroccan food!
What a great evening! Im inspired to try my favorite beer with some clams… YUM! Lesley Gordon sounds like a fun person to be around. Thanks for sharing!!
That blue dinnerware is AMAZING! It’s not often you see a vibrant color like that on a table – so pretty!
She is a fantastic chef her attention to detail and presentation of all the dishes is fantastic. She seems really down to earth too!
I don’t which looks more the delicious the Death by Chocolate Chai cake, the Samosas, the roasted veggies or Coconut Curry Chicken. Every picture makes me hungry. I love trying to new cuisines and I love the Chef’s attitude toward life and food.
I totally love the Moroccan cuisine and that masterpiece of yours! I dream to visit Morocco for their authentic cuisine
http://siniciliya.com/
I love African Cuisines in several forms and Moroccan is absolutely delicious, This menu looks super awesome…apart form one thing taht I am allergic to..Muscles! That dessert yummm nom nom nom!
what interesting names! She must be very very creative and talented.
I love this! What an amazing experience! I love anything with food. When I lived in Boston I used to go to cooking classes with my husband. My favorite was a dessert and wine pairing. Yum!
Sounds like you had a great evening. I’ve never had Moroccan food. All the food looked delicious. I’ll make sure to try their dishes.
I’ve never had Moroccan food, but this stuff looks amazing! I also love your table decor!!
xo,
Roxy
Everything about this night is absolutely gorgeous! I am not sure I have ever tried Moroccan food! You have inspired me!
Sound like an amazing night, the food looks incredible and I’m sure the conversation even better
Gorgeous presentational food. You’re a talented cook!
This food looks amazing! I was hungry, and now I’m even more hungry!
The food look yummy, the table looked spectacular, and I might die if I don’t get some of that death by chocolate. I suppose I will die either way if I eat it or not! 😛
I’ve never had Morocan cuisine, but everything looks delicious and you take great food photos.
That all looks so good! I haven’t had Moroccan food either, but I would definitely be willing to try it based on those photos!
Sounds delicious and I should try that drink! Ginger kiss. Thanks for linking it.
Yes! Do check that Ginger Kiss out! It’s amazing!
That looks like a delicious night! What a great way to learn about the food from the chef.
It was pretty awesome! I can’t wait for the next one.
I hope to give moroccan food a try sometime, the food looks absolutely delicious and lovely interview too
I love Moroccan food! It’s so flavorful. Definitely give it a try!
What a magnificent feast for the eyes and stomach. Each dish seem to threaten to upstage the next one… Yum! Wish I were there. ❤
It was a magnificent dinner party!